Weekend Reads #10

Hello and happy Friday! I’m writing this from the sea as I sail from Mykonos to Istanbul. This week I’ve been travelling with Celebrity Cruises. We began in Venice on Monday, followed by Dubrovnik, Mykonos and finally Istanbul today.

I’m having such an incredible time, not only in the destinations but also onboard the ship. It’s honestly like a floating city. I’m still stumbling across hidden bars and cafes, shops and chill-out areas.

On Wednesday we had a day at sea which was the perfect opportunity to relax and catch up on my favourite blogs. Here are a few of my faves from the week and an update on my next trip.

I’ve been drooling over photos from the Maldives for years and it’s firmly on my ‘Dream Destination’ list. The only problem is how expensive it is and I don’t fancy being trapped in a resort and being unable to leave or explore independently. Lauren and her boyfriend, Dave, have travelled to the Maldives independently and on a budget. It definitely isn’t the easiest of trips to arrange but here’s how they’re getting on so far. What a cliffhanger!

Is anyone else out there far too scared to do a bungee jump or skydive? You’re not alone. I did a skydive when I was younger and I can honestly say it was the scariest moment of my whole life. But this swing looks like the perfect option for scardy cats who still want an adrenaline fueled ride. Just not too much of an adrenaline kick! Delia tells us about the swing at the end of the world in Ecuador. It looks incredible and it’s another thing I’ve added to my never-ending bucket list.

This is one for the guys and the girls. Girls, you’ve gone some drool worthy eye candy and, guys, you’ve got some serious fashion inspiration. There are thousands of great female fashion bloggers out there but the guys don’t have quite so many to check out for style and clothing tips. While I can’t exactly imagine my guy copying Bryan Boy (short shorts, sandals and a man bag) there is a blogger for everyone. (Check out the uber-stylish Adam Gallagher for a fix of tall, dark, handsome AND fashionable).

I’m always a little surprised by how delicious the food is in Belgium. I’m not sure why because I’ve been a few times so I should know to expect high quality yumminess, but I just don’t automatically associate Belgium with good food. Here are five reasons why Belgium is the perfect foodie destination!

I wanted to include one of my old posts from a trip I took last October because I’m going to the Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin again this year because it was so fantastic. The whole city becomes a huge, spooky playground as they celebrate Bram Stoker and all things vampire related. Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, was born in Dublin so there are many links to the blood sucking story. I loved the atmosphere last year as we visited Dracula’s Fire Garden within the castle, watched horror movies in the cathedral and attended a spooky banquet in the crypt of the cathedral. Dublin is a fantastic city and if you can visit during a festival it’s even better!

Blogging Tips

According to this post, the average Instagram user spends 257 minutes per month on Instagram. I’m an Instagram addict but that seems pretty high, even for me! If you are one of those people, you’ll want to check out this post about how to increase your followers. Having a huge following isn’t the most important thing in the world but it’s nice to know other people are enjoying your snaps and selfies.

Hack of the Week

I was first introduced to the concept of ‘secret menus’ when I visited In and Out Burger with my Trek America tour. Yes, there’s a secret menu that isn’t advertised and only certain people know about the delicious temptations hidden behind the counter. I’m not normally a fast-food fan but sometimes it has to be done, eg. Whenever I’m drunk of hungover. Take a look at the secret menus of the biggest fastfood restaurants for a new alternative to your standard order.

Next week’s travels

This week I’ve been cruising around Europe but next week I’m jetting off to Egypt for a luxury all-inclusive holiday. I haven’t been on an all-inclusive since I was 17 so I have no idea how I’ll find it. I’m going with my guy and I’ve made sure we have lots of activities to keep us entertained but I’m really looking forward to relaxing and soaking up the sun. You can check out my Instagram pics to see how I’m getting on.

Monica is the founder and editor of The Travel Hack. She began the blog in 2009 when she left the UK to travel around Asia and Australia for two years. She's now a professional blogger and has travelled around the world in search of stylish adventure travel.
Monica has recently had her second baby and is determined to prove that travelling with a baby is possible!

Oh, wow! This is such a happy surprise to be featured! Thank you!! Your cruise sounds wonderful. I was just reading about Mykonos on another blog this morning – what a gorgeous place! Wishing you safe travels to Istanbul and on the rest of your cruise.

The Travel Hack is a blog about stylish adventure travel and affordable luxury.

We believe luxurious travel can be affordable and isn't just for the rich. Follow along with our worldwide adventures as we share our trips and tips for incredible travel experiences on a modest budget.